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Eastwind Witches #12
First-Realm Problems
A Paranormal Cozy Mystery
What happens in New Orleans, slays in New Orleans…
Psychic Nora Ashcroft is somewhere she never thought she’d see again: her old world. Desperate to bring Tanner and Eva back to Eastwind as soon as possible, she faces a major up-levee battle in New Orleans. Because without any money or a clear place to start, finding two witches in the city could require more magic than she alone possesses.
When she catches wind of mysterious slayings among the local vampires and witches, her only shot at finding her friends could be to unmask a murderer. But time is running out, and a dangerous cloaked figure is running amok…
Can Nora solve her first-realm problems before the past comes back to haunt her?
What happens in New Orleans, slays in New Orleans…
Psychic Nora Ashcroft is somewhere she never thought she’d see again: her old world. Desperate to bring Tanner and Eva back to Eastwind as soon as possible, she faces a major up-levee battle in New Orleans. Because without any money or a clear place to start, finding two witches in the city could require more magic than she alone possesses.
When she catches wind of mysterious slayings among the local vampires and witches, her only shot at finding her friends could be to unmask a murderer. But time is running out, and a dangerous cloaked figure is running amok…
Can Nora solve her first-realm problems before the past comes back to haunt her?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2019
582 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Nova Nelson
60 books268 followersNova Nelson grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie novels. She loves the mind candy of cozy mysteries and has been weaving paranormal tales since she first learned handwriting. Those two loves meet in her Eastwind Witches series, and it's about time, if she does say so herself.
When she's not busy writing, she enjoys long walks with her strong-willed dogs and eating breakfast for dinner.
Be sure to follow her on Goodreads!
Join the Cozy Coven for Eastwind updates, contests, and more! Go to: www.cozycoven.com
When she's not busy writing, she enjoys long walks with her strong-willed dogs and eating breakfast for dinner.
Be sure to follow her on Goodreads!
Join the Cozy Coven for Eastwind updates, contests, and more! Go to: www.cozycoven.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 13, 2022
3.5 stars. While I still really enjoy the series and love the characters involved, the town and familiar's. However it's impossible to know what couplings to ship at it's seem to be able to shift regularly and I'm almost at the end but still can't see who she's going to end up with. It's refreshing in a way that the heroine isn't stuck with the same guy the whole series but the jumping and ever changing relationsstatus is rather daunting. Like I've should had written it down to be be sure
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2019
Fangs and claws, that was good!
Full of snark and wit!
Back in her old world, Nora is looking for Tanner and Eva. But she’s not equipped to be in her old world anymore; no money, no place to stay, no magical showers. Grim and Monster are with her. I must say, for a while I kind of missed Eastwind, but that only took like a second, and then I just enjoyed New Orleans. And I have always been team Tanner, I’ve loved him ever since Nora first set foot in Medium Rare. He’s just such a nice guy! And of course I’m Team Grim and Monster! And Team Nora ;) she’s a witch but she’s relatable; she makes mistakes, she’s not this infallible super witch.
It’s not a standalone. You need to have read the previous books to understand. But believe me, that’s no punishment: this is one fantastic series! Nova Nelson has SUCH a way with words!
I was on the edge of my seat most of the time. It was crazy suspenseful and I didn’t know how it would turn out. And that ending!!! Don’t worry, it’s not a cliff-hanger, because the main storyline was completed, but it’s a nice bridge towards the next book. And now I can’t wait! But I’ll have to!
Favorite quote: “And the dessert was… Well, if this could have been my last meal, I would be okay dying with that praline cheesecake in me. Take it along for the ride into the afterlife and hopefully get to experience delicious belches for all eternity.”
Full of snark and wit!
Back in her old world, Nora is looking for Tanner and Eva. But she’s not equipped to be in her old world anymore; no money, no place to stay, no magical showers. Grim and Monster are with her. I must say, for a while I kind of missed Eastwind, but that only took like a second, and then I just enjoyed New Orleans. And I have always been team Tanner, I’ve loved him ever since Nora first set foot in Medium Rare. He’s just such a nice guy! And of course I’m Team Grim and Monster! And Team Nora ;) she’s a witch but she’s relatable; she makes mistakes, she’s not this infallible super witch.
It’s not a standalone. You need to have read the previous books to understand. But believe me, that’s no punishment: this is one fantastic series! Nova Nelson has SUCH a way with words!
I was on the edge of my seat most of the time. It was crazy suspenseful and I didn’t know how it would turn out. And that ending!!! Don’t worry, it’s not a cliff-hanger, because the main storyline was completed, but it’s a nice bridge towards the next book. And now I can’t wait! But I’ll have to!
Favorite quote: “And the dessert was… Well, if this could have been my last meal, I would be okay dying with that praline cheesecake in me. Take it along for the ride into the afterlife and hopefully get to experience delicious belches for all eternity.”
September 17, 2019
Wow, can't believe it's book #12 already - I have been enjoying the heck out of this series! After utilizing the portal that the Count had kept secret for so long, Nora is back in her old realm...and on the hunt for Tanner and Eva in mystical, magical New Orleans. Along with familiars Grim and Monster, she locates Eva fairly quickly (the time wrinkle was a fun concept!), but Tanner is not so easily located. The more Nora investigates, the more disturbed she becomes when his name is linked with vampire slayings - has he gone over to the dark side? Along with some friends from Eastwind who arrive via the portal, Nora does find Tanner and solve the crime. There are some surprises in this one - both good and disappointing depending on which side of the fence you are on (followers of the series will know what I'm talking about). What? You're not a fan? Well, get reading because you are missing out on a great series!
Note: I did receive an ARC of the book from the author, but my review is voluntary and my pleasure to write.
Note: I did receive an ARC of the book from the author, but my review is voluntary and my pleasure to write.
September 20, 2019
They say you can’t go home (or, maybe you’ll just be sorry if you do!)
Returning from Eastwind to the Earth realm where she died, Fifth Wind Witch Nora passes through a portal in Eastwind, searching for friends who disappeared through the same portal months earlier. She emerges in New Orleans, where she finds that magic is big business. There are plenty of witch-wanna-bes, some of the real deal, and inter-species hostilities that are reminiscent of Eastwind’s recent troubles. This time someone’s targeting vampires, and it looks as if Nora’s missing friends might somehow be mixed up in it. It gets pretty crazy from there on out.
In the Paranormal Cozy Mystery genre, few authors stand out. I know. I read a lot of cozy authors, but most of the time it’s just one book of theirs. I won’t waste MY precious reading enjoyment on so-so stories.
So it’s significant when I say that I just finished Book 12 of Nova Nelson’s Eastwind Witches series. Beginning with Book 1, the exploits of Nora Ashcroft, her hellhound familiar Grim, Nora’s friends and all the other wonder-full denizens of the realm of Eastwind, captured my imagination and delighted me.
This installment is no exception. I highly recommend this book and the entire series for lovers of a well-written paranormal mystery with great characters and inventive and interesting storylines.
I received a review copy of this book and am happy to leave a review.
Returning from Eastwind to the Earth realm where she died, Fifth Wind Witch Nora passes through a portal in Eastwind, searching for friends who disappeared through the same portal months earlier. She emerges in New Orleans, where she finds that magic is big business. There are plenty of witch-wanna-bes, some of the real deal, and inter-species hostilities that are reminiscent of Eastwind’s recent troubles. This time someone’s targeting vampires, and it looks as if Nora’s missing friends might somehow be mixed up in it. It gets pretty crazy from there on out.
In the Paranormal Cozy Mystery genre, few authors stand out. I know. I read a lot of cozy authors, but most of the time it’s just one book of theirs. I won’t waste MY precious reading enjoyment on so-so stories.
So it’s significant when I say that I just finished Book 12 of Nova Nelson’s Eastwind Witches series. Beginning with Book 1, the exploits of Nora Ashcroft, her hellhound familiar Grim, Nora’s friends and all the other wonder-full denizens of the realm of Eastwind, captured my imagination and delighted me.
This installment is no exception. I highly recommend this book and the entire series for lovers of a well-written paranormal mystery with great characters and inventive and interesting storylines.
I received a review copy of this book and am happy to leave a review.
September 19, 2019
I love the Eastwind series and this time the setting is New Orleans!
Eva and Tanner went through the portal six months ago. Nora and Donovan go to Count Malavic's castle to convince him to give up the secret he's been taunting Nora with. He has a hidden portal to Nora's old world. As soon as they see it, Monster jumps through followed by Grim. Nora has to go too, but Donovan stays behind since his familiar isn't with him. They end up in Louisiana and head to New Orleans in the hope of finding Tanner and Eva. This is a fantastic book filled with the flavor of New Orleans. There's fake witches, touristy stuff, the French Quarter, several New Orleans cemeteries and plenty of the paranormal. The plot is amazing and the characters are always great along with some new ones. Each book in this series is better than the last. This one is my favorite so far. If you like paranormal mysteries, or even if you just enjoy New Orleans, this book is for you. I love it!
Eva and Tanner went through the portal six months ago. Nora and Donovan go to Count Malavic's castle to convince him to give up the secret he's been taunting Nora with. He has a hidden portal to Nora's old world. As soon as they see it, Monster jumps through followed by Grim. Nora has to go too, but Donovan stays behind since his familiar isn't with him. They end up in Louisiana and head to New Orleans in the hope of finding Tanner and Eva. This is a fantastic book filled with the flavor of New Orleans. There's fake witches, touristy stuff, the French Quarter, several New Orleans cemeteries and plenty of the paranormal. The plot is amazing and the characters are always great along with some new ones. Each book in this series is better than the last. This one is my favorite so far. If you like paranormal mysteries, or even if you just enjoy New Orleans, this book is for you. I love it!
November 2, 2019
Wow! This is by far my favorite book of the series.
I read it in one day and that is rare for me.
This book does not take place in Eastwind, but don't let that deter you. Not all authors can pull off a change of their series' setting very well, but Ms. Nelson definitely can. The story still flows and works beautifully. There are enough of the main characters in this new setting to not leave you too homesick for Eastwind.
This one is set in New Orleans, which is one of my favorite places in the world.
That made the book even more enjoyable to me.
Oh! I must add that there is much more GRIM in this book!!
Grim is the absolute best.
This book also made me realize how much I love Jane.
She's becoming one of my favorite characters.
And that ending!! 😮
Be prepared for another awesome cliff-hanger.
*I received an ARC of this book, and have provided an honest review.
I read it in one day and that is rare for me.
This book does not take place in Eastwind, but don't let that deter you. Not all authors can pull off a change of their series' setting very well, but Ms. Nelson definitely can. The story still flows and works beautifully. There are enough of the main characters in this new setting to not leave you too homesick for Eastwind.
This one is set in New Orleans, which is one of my favorite places in the world.
That made the book even more enjoyable to me.
Oh! I must add that there is much more GRIM in this book!!
Grim is the absolute best.
This book also made me realize how much I love Jane.
She's becoming one of my favorite characters.
And that ending!! 😮
Be prepared for another awesome cliff-hanger.
*I received an ARC of this book, and have provided an honest review.
September 17, 2019
Wow! Had to keep reading to finish it. Not a put down and come back to book. Clear your mind and keep up. Definitely not what or where I was expecting the story to go.
Last time Nora followed Grim who followed Monster through the portal. Now they are trying to find Eva and Tanner.
They do find "them" eventually but have to deal with time concept, vampires and witches being killed, and other surprises. Who is 'Bruce Saxton'? Wasn't he taken care of previously?
GRIMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! I missed you and here you are just in time. I love you!
Fast, easy to read and enjoyable read. You could probably read it but without a doubt you will need and want to go back and catch up.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Last time Nora followed Grim who followed Monster through the portal. Now they are trying to find Eva and Tanner.
They do find "them" eventually but have to deal with time concept, vampires and witches being killed, and other surprises. Who is 'Bruce Saxton'? Wasn't he taken care of previously?
GRIMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! I missed you and here you are just in time. I love you!
Fast, easy to read and enjoyable read. You could probably read it but without a doubt you will need and want to go back and catch up.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
March 25, 2025
Finally! A return to the form that drew me to the series.
In the grand scheme of books, this is 3 stars, in the series, it's 4½.
The series moves from Eastwind to New Orleans in the search for missing Eastwinders, Eva and Tanner; and the author some how makes Earth Realm, (Nora's 'First Realm,') seem less dangerous than Eastwind.
Perhaps it's that it's dangers a the ones 'humans' are more familiar with - excluding gun violence which, while mentioned, doesn't feature, and is more specifically a North American phenomenon.
It's no surprise that time passes differently between Realms, though how much time has passed, and what that means for our lost Witches, is an interesting turn.
And that's the point. This book made the series *interesting* again!
There was the mystery of the lost Witches, the mystery of the 'real' supernaturals in New Orleans, and the mystery of the crimes being committed, and the potential for yet another interspecies conflict.
All the characters had their moments, even ones who had only appeared for a sentence or two in the 1st book, and were mentioned briefly thereafter. Cultural differences were, however briefly, explored. Alliances forged and shifted, misdirection, manipulation, and scratching the surface of a previously unknown face of Nora's old world.
Donovan was shown, yet again, to be what he was, and this time, Nora was paying more attention. Eva was a highlight. Monster and Grim steal scene in every scene that they share! And Tanner, as is often the case has grown as a character.
I think that I read this one as quickly as I did the first 2, and had few of the criticisms that destroyed the last 2½ books for me.
This one is a great ride; a fun mystery; and a reconnexion of friends, a Circle, and of Nora to her old world. If she'd ever harboured any doubts that she was done with it, this book will lay them to rest.
The only question that truly remains unanswered, and is briefly touched upon? Is the one concerning Nora's parents.
This is a great return to form, and a complete relief from the last couple of books, (to the point that I considered going back and marking them down - the change in tone, and my enjoyement of them was far more damaging than even my overlong reviews really captured.)
Read this one!
5☆ = Loved/Highly Recommend
4☆ = Really Enjoyed
3☆ = Good, Solid, Read
2☆ = Had Potential, or At Least A Decent Premise AND Some Difficult-To-Overlook-Flaws
1☆ = Why?
In the grand scheme of books, this is 3 stars, in the series, it's 4½.
The series moves from Eastwind to New Orleans in the search for missing Eastwinders, Eva and Tanner; and the author some how makes Earth Realm, (Nora's 'First Realm,') seem less dangerous than Eastwind.
Perhaps it's that it's dangers a the ones 'humans' are more familiar with - excluding gun violence which, while mentioned, doesn't feature, and is more specifically a North American phenomenon.
It's no surprise that time passes differently between Realms, though how much time has passed, and what that means for our lost Witches, is an interesting turn.
And that's the point. This book made the series *interesting* again!
There was the mystery of the lost Witches, the mystery of the 'real' supernaturals in New Orleans, and the mystery of the crimes being committed, and the potential for yet another interspecies conflict.
All the characters had their moments, even ones who had only appeared for a sentence or two in the 1st book, and were mentioned briefly thereafter. Cultural differences were, however briefly, explored. Alliances forged and shifted, misdirection, manipulation, and scratching the surface of a previously unknown face of Nora's old world.
Donovan was shown, yet again, to be what he was, and this time, Nora was paying more attention. Eva was a highlight. Monster and Grim steal scene in every scene that they share! And Tanner, as is often the case has grown as a character.
I think that I read this one as quickly as I did the first 2, and had few of the criticisms that destroyed the last 2½ books for me.
This one is a great ride; a fun mystery; and a reconnexion of friends, a Circle, and of Nora to her old world. If she'd ever harboured any doubts that she was done with it, this book will lay them to rest.
The only question that truly remains unanswered, and is briefly touched upon? Is the one concerning Nora's parents.
This is a great return to form, and a complete relief from the last couple of books, (to the point that I considered going back and marking them down - the change in tone, and my enjoyement of them was far more damaging than even my overlong reviews really captured.)
Read this one!
5☆ = Loved/Highly Recommend
4☆ = Really Enjoyed
3☆ = Good, Solid, Read
2☆ = Had Potential, or At Least A Decent Premise AND Some Difficult-To-Overlook-Flaws
1☆ = Why?
January 23, 2024
No Saints Marching In
Sweet baby jackalope!!! Started reading this book last night and less than 24 hours later I finished! I'm from New Orleans but haven't been back since 1998. Before Katrina but my brother lived there during the storm. Now he's in Mississippi. I'm sure it's quite a lot But there are still places where I grew up still there. Also spent 5 years working on Bourbon St. @ The Chris Owens Club before moving to the RGV in S. Texas. I do intend to go back although not during the summer. Between October and December is prime ex-pat weather.
The story of Nora going back to her first real to do d Tanned and Eva is a sweet storyline but has the usual Nora obstacles. Also to see Jane stand by Nora and Tanner, even to coming to a realm with no werewolves. Fabulous story and a lovely nostalgic look back to my hometown. I'm excited there might be more trip back to the Crescent City (no one called it the Big Easy until the movie came out. Laissiez Le Bon Ton Roulé!
Sweet baby jackalope!!! Started reading this book last night and less than 24 hours later I finished! I'm from New Orleans but haven't been back since 1998. Before Katrina but my brother lived there during the storm. Now he's in Mississippi. I'm sure it's quite a lot But there are still places where I grew up still there. Also spent 5 years working on Bourbon St. @ The Chris Owens Club before moving to the RGV in S. Texas. I do intend to go back although not during the summer. Between October and December is prime ex-pat weather.
The story of Nora going back to her first real to do d Tanned and Eva is a sweet storyline but has the usual Nora obstacles. Also to see Jane stand by Nora and Tanner, even to coming to a realm with no werewolves. Fabulous story and a lovely nostalgic look back to my hometown. I'm excited there might be more trip back to the Crescent City (no one called it the Big Easy until the movie came out. Laissiez Le Bon Ton Roulé!
May 15, 2021
I’d like to give my review without spoilers...but well with this one I can’t. I really liked this one. Nora is back in her old realm. Antics are still the same. I figured this one out from the start. Knew who would be going back to Eastwind. I really would’ve liked Donavan to be going back to.. I think his character was a great asset. He’s funny , good looking , and annoys Nora to some degree. I am not disappointed in who went back...I think Tanner is the one for Nora . He seems to always guide her in the right direction...which she needs. Plus he’s been there in the beginning and really loves her no questions asked. On to the last book in the series!!!! Happy Reading :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2022
Nora in NOLA
Going through Malavic's portal after Monster and Grim Nora has her hands and mind full. What does it mean that Donovan refused to join her? Can she find Tanner and Eva? Will they want to come back?
Finding Eva isn't so hard but Tanner is another matter.. time passes at a different speed between the realms.. he's been away 3 years but for the Eastwinders it's only been 6 months.. he seems to have got himself caught up in vampire slaying and when Donovan and Jane appear having followed to help Nora has another case to solve.
Going through Malavic's portal after Monster and Grim Nora has her hands and mind full. What does it mean that Donovan refused to join her? Can she find Tanner and Eva? Will they want to come back?
Finding Eva isn't so hard but Tanner is another matter.. time passes at a different speed between the realms.. he's been away 3 years but for the Eastwinders it's only been 6 months.. he seems to have got himself caught up in vampire slaying and when Donovan and Jane appear having followed to help Nora has another case to solve.
March 7, 2022
Fun, light read for fans of fantasy/paranormal and cozy mysteries. Definitely a nice change from heavier fare.
BTW, none of the Salem witches were burned at the stake or in any other way. All but one were hanged. Giles Corey, an elderly man, was pressed to death with heavy stones. DO YOUR RESEARCH!
BTW, none of the Salem witches were burned at the stake or in any other way. All but one were hanged. Giles Corey, an elderly man, was pressed to death with heavy stones. DO YOUR RESEARCH!
May 16, 2023
Cozy mystery
Hard to put down a real page turner that with an end that leaves you wanting even more. So ready to read the next installment. I'm thinking it might be the last one. If so I'm going to be sad this was a great group of cozy mysteries with well like characters and real plots with twists!
Hard to put down a real page turner that with an end that leaves you wanting even more. So ready to read the next installment. I'm thinking it might be the last one. If so I'm going to be sad this was a great group of cozy mysteries with well like characters and real plots with twists!
May 2, 2024
Tanner & Nora.
Thank you for writing such a captivating book. I am an avid reader . Rarely am I so moved by a series that I would wonder about whether I should continue a series or let it go. Great job. I will happily continue reading this series and any other of your many books! Thank you !
Thank you for writing such a captivating book. I am an avid reader . Rarely am I so moved by a series that I would wonder about whether I should continue a series or let it go. Great job. I will happily continue reading this series and any other of your many books! Thank you !
December 3, 2024
Oh my this series keeps vetting better
Oh if you love new Orleans then this be a favorite in this series.trying to write a review on this one with no spoilers . lot happens in this book most of circle is involved some new characters mystery adventure murder magic and not all of characters will return this time
Oh if you love new Orleans then this be a favorite in this series.trying to write a review on this one with no spoilers . lot happens in this book most of circle is involved some new characters mystery adventure murder magic and not all of characters will return this time
May 23, 2020
Wonderful!
Excellent! Best book in the series! And the setting is spot on! Anyone who has ever visited New Orleans feel the change of environment. Nova has captured this feeling quite eloquently.
Excellent! Best book in the series! And the setting is spot on! Anyone who has ever visited New Orleans feel the change of environment. Nova has captured this feeling quite eloquently.
August 11, 2020
Fantasy
The series continues, still annoyed with the love triangle and Nora's wishy washy falling for any guy carp. She even falls for the bartender, come on. But the characters are cute, the familiars are cute
The series continues, still annoyed with the love triangle and Nora's wishy washy falling for any guy carp. She even falls for the bartender, come on. But the characters are cute, the familiars are cute
January 5, 2022
Good read
Book 12 has Nora traveling back to her 1st world, or what we mortals would call the real world to find Eva and Tanner. And what a shocker. Can't tell you any more, but there is a host of new characters. Highly recommend.
Book 12 has Nora traveling back to her 1st world, or what we mortals would call the real world to find Eva and Tanner. And what a shocker. Can't tell you any more, but there is a host of new characters. Highly recommend.
April 1, 2022
One of the best
I like the crossover from one world to the next , when I read it is feels so real the two world's connecting , very good, keep me up at night not wanted to stop,I can't wait for the next of Nora's adventures.
I like the crossover from one world to the next , when I read it is feels so real the two world's connecting , very good, keep me up at night not wanted to stop,I can't wait for the next of Nora's adventures.
October 2, 2023
This series really doesn't work in an Urban Fantasy environment, it remains interesting and cozy by being just so magical, and our world isn't that. Guess it was important for the series though, so I stuck through...
February 24, 2020
Worth reading!
I really enjoyed reading this series. It was lively and interesting, with enough plot twists to keep you guessing. I look forward to reading more. Thank you:)
I really enjoyed reading this series. It was lively and interesting, with enough plot twists to keep you guessing. I look forward to reading more. Thank you:)
June 4, 2020
Fun escapist read.
July 7, 2020
One of thebest
One of the best of the series. Perfect book. I'm glad of the outcome for this book. Great overall read
One of the best of the series. Perfect book. I'm glad of the outcome for this book. Great overall read
June 19, 2021
Really good one kept me guessing till the end.
January 8, 2022
Great read and great series. Can’t wait to read the final one!
April 8, 2022
SO GOOD!!I couldn't put it down. I love this series!
May 31, 2022
Wow! This one took another twist I was not expecting. Where will Nora go from here?
April 11, 2023
More Eastwind please!
Love the Nora and the Ruby books! The setting and the characters make it hard to put them down. Will read any that come my way!
Love the Nora and the Ruby books! The setting and the characters make it hard to put them down. Will read any that come my way!
July 24, 2023
I hate that I'm getting so close to the last book in this series.
January 18, 2024
Love
Addicted to this series! Nova is a great story teller and the Eastwind characters are all so lovable. Cannot stop reading!
Addicted to this series! Nova is a great story teller and the Eastwind characters are all so lovable. Cannot stop reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews